US7285101B2 - Vibrating transducer with provision for easily differentiated multiple tactile stimulations - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibrating transducer includes a rigid housing; an electric motor enclosed within the rigid housing and having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and wherein the electric motor is supported within the rigid housing by a flexible motor mount. The rigid housing is preferably a cylindrically shaped tube. The flexible motor mount may be formed of a foam cushion wrapped substantially about the electric motor. A driver circuit, which may include may include a current amplifier or timing sub-circuits, may be provided for facilitating operation of the electric motor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tactile stimulation. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing multiple tactile stimulations that are easily differentiated one from one or more others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vibrating transducers comprising eccentric weights thrown into motion with electric motors are commonplace components in pagers, cellular telephones and the like. Typically, these types of transducers are utilized to produce a tactile stimulation indicative of the occurrence of some event such as, for example, an incoming page or telephone call. Applicant has recognized, however, that multiple tactile stimulations, if readily differentiable, may be usefully employed for the indication of one of a plurality of occurrences.

Unfortunately, the vibrating transducers of the prior art are not readily susceptible to the generation of readily distinguishable multiple tactile stimulations, especially in applications requiring short durations of stimulation. Recognizing this deficiency, Applicant has a primary object of the present invention improved upon the vibrating transducers of the prior art by developing a vibrating transducer capable of delivering a high energy level in a short time duration, thereby enabling the vibrating transducer to produce easily differentiated, multiple tactile stimulations. As a further object of the present invention, Applicant has developed such a vibrating transducer that is also extremely compact and therefore readily adaptable to a wide variety of applications. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to produce such a vibrating transducer that may be readily and economically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a vibrating transducer for producing multiple, readily differentiable tactile stimulations—generally comprises a rigid housing; an electric motor enclosed within the rigid housing and having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and wherein the electric motor is supported within the rigid housing by a flexible motor mount. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rigid housing comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube.

The flexible motor mount may be formed of a cushion, which may be made from foam material or the like. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the cushion is wrapped substantially about the electric motor, centering the electric motor within the cylindrically shaped tube forming the rigid housing. In order to facilitate manufacture of the vibrating transducer of the present invention, the cushion may be wrapped by a securing sheet such as, for example, a thin paper wrapping, a length of adhesive tape or the like.

In a further embodiment of the vibrating transducer of the present invention, a driver circuit may be provided for facilitating operation of the electric motor. The driver circuit may include a current amplifier, a plurality of timing sub-circuits (such as may comprise monostable multivibrators) or a combination thereof. Preferably, the timing sub-circuits are each adapted to operate the electric motor for a distinct period of time.

Each timing sub-circuit is preferably activated by a trigger signal, which may be derived from a single input signal. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the trigger signals are differentiated by filtering of the input signal. A signal generator may be provided for producing input signal, which may comprise a pulse train. Preferably, the pulse train comprises pulses of at least two distinct electrical characteristics such as, for example, differing time durations.

Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows, in an exploded perspective view, the preferred embodiment of the vibrating transducer of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows, in a cross sectional side view, details of the arrangement of the internal components of the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, in a cross sectional end view taken through cut line3-3 ofFIG. 2, additional details of the arrangement of the internal components of the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows, in a partially cut away perspective view, a representation of the forces produced in the operation of the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A through 5F show, in schematic representations generally corresponding to the view ofFIG. 3, changes in the relative positions of various internal components of the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1, which changes occur as a result of the operational forces represented inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows, in a functional block diagram, one embodiment of a system for employing the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show, in schematic diagrams, exemplary electronic circuits such as may be utilized (if necessary) in the system ofFIG. 6 for conditioning signal generator output signals for driving the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show, in voltage time plots, typical signals generated by an electronic metronome for divisional and downbeats, respectively, or by telegraph devices for dashes and dots, respectively, or the like;

FIG. 9A shows, in a voltage time plot, the signals ofFIGS. 8A and 8B after being passed in a pattern through an envelope detector, as implemented in the design ofFIG. 7A, andFIG. 9B shows, in a voltage time plot, the same composite signal after further being passed through a class C amplifier, as also implemented in the design ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 10 shows, in a voltage time plot, the signal ofFIG. 9B after being low pass filtered by a first order R-C filter, as implemented in the design ofFIG. 7A;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show, in voltage time plots, output signals from first and second monostable multivibrator, or “one-shot,” circuits, as implemented in the design ofFIG. 7A, the output from the first being the result of inputting the signal ofFIG. 8A to the circuit ofFIG. 7A and the output from the second being the result of inputting the signal ofFIG. 8B to the circuit ofFIG. 7A, whereby the first is used to drive the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1 to produce a tactile stimulation easily recognized as a divisional beat, dash or the like and the second is utilized to drive the vibrating transducer ofFIG. 1 to produce a tactile stimulation easily recognized as a downbeat, dot or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Referring now to the figures, and toFIGS. 1 through 4 in particular, thevibrating transducer20 of the present invention is shown to generally comprise anelectric motor24 having attached thereto aneccentric weight29 and encased within arigid housing21. As is typical with pager transducers and the like, operation of theelectric motor24 turns ashaft30 upon which theeccentric weight29 is mounted with, for example, apin31. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, rotation upon theshaft30 of theeccentric weight29 produces a vibratory effect upon themotor24 resulting from the forward portion of the motor attempting to shift laterally outward from the nominal axis ofrotation32 of theshaft30, as depicted by the centrifugal force lines F inFIG. 4.

In typical implementations of this principle, the electric motor is rigidly fixed to some body such as, for example, a pager or cellular telephone housing with mounting clamps, brackets or the like. In the present invention, however, unlike the vibrating transducers of the prior art, theelectric motor24 is encased within arigid housing21 by the provision of aflexible motor mount34, which allows theforward portion28 of theelectric motor24 to generally wobble within therigid housing21 as theeccentric weight29 is rotated upon themotor shaft30. In this manner, the resultant forces F are the product of much greater momentum in theeccentric weight29 than that obtained in the fixed configuration of the prior art.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as detailed inFIGS. 1 through 4, theflexible motor mount34 generally comprises a wrapping of preferablyfoam cushion material35, which is sized and shaped to snuggly fill the space provided between theelectric motor24 and the interior of therigid housing21. To facilitate manufacture of the vibratingtransducer20, as generally depicted inFIG. 1, thefoam cushion35 may be held in place about the body of theelectric motor34 with acushion securing sheet37, which may comprise a thin paper glued in place about thecushion35, thin adhesive tape or any substantially equivalent means. To complete the manufacture of the vibratingtransducer20, the cushionedelectric motor24, witheccentric weight29 attached to itsshaft30, is inserted into therigid housing21 and secured in place by the application ofepoxy23 into the open,rear portion22 of thehousing21. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the epoxy23 also serves to stabilize thepower cord26 to theelectric motor24, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of thepower cord26 from theelectric motor24.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 through 5, the enhanced operation of the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention is detailed. At the outset, however, it is noted that in order to obtain maximum benefit of the present invention, therigid housing21 is provided in a generally cylindrical shape, as will be better understood further herein. In any case, as shown in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 3, and corresponding views ofFIGS. 5A through 5F, theforward portion28 of theelectric motor24 is encompassed by theforward portion36 of thefoam cushion35. At rest, i.e. without theelectric motor24 in operation, theelectric motor24 is substantially uniformly surrounded by thefoam cushion35, as shown inFIG. 5A.

Upon actuation of theelectric motor24, however, the centrifugal forces F generated by the outward throw of theeccentric weight29 causes the axis ofrotation32 of the motor'sshaft30 to follow a conical pattern, as depicted inFIG. 4. As a result, theforward portion28 of theelectric motor28 is thrown into theforward portion36 of thefoam cushion35, depressing the area ofcushion35 adjacent theeccentric weight29 and allowing expansion of the portion of thecushion35 generally opposite, as depicted inFIGS. 5B through 5F corresponding to various rotational positions of theeccentric weight29.

As is evident through reference toFIGS. 5B through 5F, the cooperative arrangement of thecushion35 about theelectric motor24, as also enhanced by the cylindrical shape of therigid housing21, allows theeccentric weight29 to build greater momentum than possible in embodiments where the motor is rigidly affixed to a body. As theforward portion36 of thefoam cushion35 compresses under the centrifugal forces F of theeccentric weight29, however, a point is reached where thefoam cushion35 is no longer compressible against the interior wall of therigid housing21 and theforward portion28 of theelectric motor24 is repelled away from the interior wall toward the opposite portion of interior wall.

The result, is a vibratory effect much more pronounced than that obtained in prior art configurations calling for the rigid affixation of an electric motor to a housing. Additionally, Applicant has found that the resulting pronounced vibratory effect is generally more perceptible to the human sense of touch than is that produced by prior art configurations. In particular, small differences on the order of tens of milliseconds or less in duration of operation of the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention, i.e. duration of powering of theelectric motor24, are easily perceived and differentiated. As a result, the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention is particularly adapted for applications requiring differentiation of multiple tactile stimulations such as, for example, the transmission of Morse code or other signaling systems, implementation of tactile metronomes with distinct tactile stimuli representing downbeats versus divisional beats, implementations of sports training devices used to reinforce rhythms and/or timing of motions or the like.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a representativetactile stimulation system38 employing the foregoing improvements is shown to generally comprise asignal generator39 in electrical communication with the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thesignal generator39 may take any of a variety of forms, but in any case is adapted to generate a driving signal for the vibratingtransducer20 in whatever tempo, duration, complex rhythm or the like is appropriate for the application for which the vibratingtransducer20 is to be utilized. Additionally, asignal conditioning circuit40 may be implemented whereby a single implementation of the vibratingtransducer20 may be made compatible with a plurality ofsignal generators39 having widely diverse electrical output characteristics.

As shown inFIG. 7A, such asignal conditioning circuit40 particularly includes anoutput amplifier48 with the capability to provide the necessary current for operation of themotor24 of the vibratingtransducer20 and preferably comprises apower conditioning circuit51, as shown inFIG. 7B, having the capability to prevent and/or suppress voltage spiking, such as may be expected in response to the highly inductive load typical of the type ofelectric motor24 utilized in the implementation of the vibratingtransducer20. Additionally, thesignal conditioning circuit40 preferably comprises one or more provisions for accepting input signals of varying electrical characteristics. For example, theconditioning circuit40 ofFIG. 7A includes anenvelope detector42, which, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, is capable of accepting a burst of voltage pulses as if the burst were a single pulse having the same time duration as the burst or, without different result, accepting a single pulse of the same time duration as the burst; at the output of theenvelope detector42, the signals from each will be largely indistinguishable.

Although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that lesser, or in some cases no, signal conditioning circuit may be required depending upon the electrical characteristics of the signals output from thesignal generator39, an exemplary only signalconditioning circuit40 is shown inFIG. 7A to generally comprise aninput jack41 for receiving signals from thesignal generator39; anenvelope detector42 for transforming various types of input signals into a common characteristic pulse train wherein the time duration of each pulse dictates the output of the vibratingtransducer20; aninput amplifier43 for squaring the output of the envelope detector for further processing; afirst signal generator45 for generating “moderate intensity” or short duration outputs from the vibratingtransducer20 and asecond signal generator46 for generating “intense” or long duration outputs from the vibratingtransducer20; anoutput amplifier48 for providing necessary current for operation of theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20; anoutput jack50 for connection, through apower cord jack27, of thepower cord26 leading to themotor24 of the vibratingtransducer20; and other circuitry in support of the foregoing operations and/or for providing additional features, as will be better understood further herein.

Looking closer at thesignal conditioning circuit40 depicted inFIG. 7A, theenvelope detector42 is shown to comprise a 1N4148 diode D2, having its anode connected to terminal J1-1 ofinput jack41, and a 0.022 μF capacitor C2 tying the cathode of diode D2 to ground. Signals input at terminal J1-1 ofinput jack41 feed into the anode of diode D2 and the envelope of those signals are output at the cathode of diode D2. In order to produce cleaner, more square representations of the resulting signal envelope, facilitating further processing of the input signals, the envelope signal from theenvelope detector42 is passed through aninput amplifier43, which comprises a 2N3904 NPN BJT transistor Q1 configured as a common emitter amplifier in Class C operation. A 47 kΩ resistor R2 is selected to limit the current through the base-emitter junction of transistor Q1 and to raise the input impedance of theamplifier43 to a level that will not load down the input envelope signal. A 2.2 kΩ resistor R3 is selected to operate theamplifier43 in saturation, resulting in a squared off, amplified output at the collector of transistor Q1.

In the next stage of thesignal conditioning circuit40, a pair ofsignal generators45,46 is provided for producing drive signals for operation of theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20. Eachsignal generator45,46 comprises an LM555N CMOS timer U1, U2, respectively, configured as a monostable multivibrator or “one-shot.” As shown in the figure, the output timing circuit of the first CMOS timer U1 comprises a 68 kΩ resistor R5 and a 0.22 μF capacitor C4 in order to produce a short duration output signal atpin3 of the CMOS timer U1 of about 10 milliseconds. Upon delivery of the output signal to theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20, a moderate intensity (or short) tactile sensation will be produced. The output timing circuit of the second CMOS timer U2, on the other hand, comprises a 100 kΩ resistor R6 and a 0.47 μF capacitor C6 such that the output signal generated atpin3 of the second CMOS timer U2 is approximately 40 milliseconds in duration, which when delivered to theelectric motor24 the vibratingtransducer20 will produce a distinctly more intense (or long) tactile sensation.

In order to differentiate between input signals, the amplified, envelope signal from the collector of transistor Q1, i.e., the output from theinput amplifier43, is delivered “as is” to thetrigger pin2 of the first CMOS timer U1, but is filtered through a first order R-Clow pass filter44 prior to delivery to thetrigger pin2 of the second CMOS timer U2. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, this prevents shorter duration input pulses or pulse streams from triggering the second monostablemultivibrator signal generator45. As also will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the requiredR-C filter44 is readily implemented with a 5.6 kΩ series resistor and 2.2 μF capacitor to ground.

The output (frompin3 of CMOS timer U1) of the first monostablemultivibrator signal generator45 and the output (frompin3 of CMOS timer U2) of the second monostablemultivibrator signal generator46 are then combined through a solid state OR circuit comprising a pair of 1N4148 diodes D3, D4 having their cathodes tied together. In this manner, either the presence of a signal from thefirst signal generator45 at the anode of the first diode D3 or the presence of a signal from thesecond signal generator46 at the anode of the second diode D4 will result in the presence of a signal at the common cathodes of the diodes D3, D4, which is then fed into theoutput amplifier48.

While many of the foregoing features of thesignal conditioning circuit40 as thus far described may not be required in every implementation of the present invention, theoutput amplifier48, or its substantial equivalent, will generally be required for any implementation in which logical level signals will be expected to drive theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20, which will generally have a current requirement beyond the capabilities of most solid state components.

A shown inFIG. 7A, anexemplary output amplifier48 comprises a 2N3904 NPN BJT transistor Q2, configured as an emitter follower, coupled with a TIP42 high current PNP transistor Q3 in a TO-220 heat dissipating package, for providing the necessary current for operation of theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, theoutput amplifier48 as shown may be considered a two stage, high current emitter follower.

In any case, the output from theoutput amplifier48 is fed through an outputpower level selector49 to anoutput jack50, into which thepower cord jack27 to theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20 may be plugged. As shown inFIG. 7A, the outputpower level selector49 preferably comprises a 22Ω resistor R8, which is selectively placed in series with the output circuit by selecting the appropriate position of a single pole, single throw switch SW2. Although Applicant has found that 22Ω is an appropriate value for the resistor R8, it is noted that the value is selected empirically in order to obtain the user desired tactile feel for the “low” output selection. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the resistor R8 may be replaced with a potentiometer, thereby providing a fully adjustable output power level.

Finally, as previously discussed, apower conditioning circuit51, such as that which is shown inFIG. 7B, is preferably provided to prevent and/or suppress voltage spiking, such as may be expected in response to the highly inductive load typical of the type ofelectric motor24 utilized in the implementation of the vibratingtransducer20. A shown inFIG. 7B, the power conditioning circuit comprises a 10 μF electrolytic capacitor C1 tying to ground the 9-V power bus from, for example, a 9-V battery BAT. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the electrolytic capacitor C1 will temporarily supply additional current to the 9-V bus as may be required to compensate for transients resulting from the draw upon theoutput amplifier48 caused during startup of theelectric motor24 of the vibratingtransducer20. Additionally, the power conditioning circuit preferably comprises an ON-OFF switch SW1 and may also include a power onindicator52. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, such a power on indicator may be readily implemented with a 1 kΩ current limiting resistor R1 in series with a light emitting diode (“LED”) D1 between the 9-V power bus and ground.

Referring now to the figures generally, and toFIGS. 8 through 11 in particular, the operation of the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention is detailed. For purposes of this exemplary discussion, it is assumed that the vibratingtransducer20 is to be used in an application requiring the differentiation of two distinct tactile stimulations. It should be recognized, however, that the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention is readily capable of being used in applications requiring more. Still further, especially in light of this exemplary disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize the necessary modifications of the previously described circuits as may be required for the implementation of higher order systems.

In any case,FIGS. 8A and 8B depict, in voltage time plots, representative input signals as may be produced by asignal generator39 such as that shown inFIG. 6. In particular,FIG. 8A shows a “short” pulse train, approximately 3 milliseconds in duration. This pulse train may be generated by thesignal generator39 to represent a first event. Likewise,FIG. 8B shows a “long” pulse train, of approximately 15 milliseconds in duration, such as also may be generated by thesignal generator39 ofFIG. 6. This latter pulse train may be generated to represent a second event. In operation of the vibratingtransducer20 of the present invention utilizing thesignal conditioning circuit40 ofFIG. 7A, the pulse trains ofFIGS. 8A and 8B will be fed in a desired pattern into theinput jack41 of the of theconditioning circuit40 at terminal J1-1. For example, the pulse trains may be fed in the pattern SHORT-LONG-SHORT-SHORT-SHORT-LONG.

As previously described, theconditioning circuit40 first produces the envelope of the input signal. Continuing with the example as set up, then, the output of theenvelope detector42 will be as depicted in the voltage time plot ofFIG. 9A representing the signal obtained at the cathode of diode D2. As shown in the plot ofFIG. 9A, however, the output of theenvelope detector42 will generally reflect effects of the time constant of its capacitor C2, resulting in roll off in the waveform. In order to produce a cleaner, more square waveform (and thus more readily utilizable for controlling timing operations), the output of theenvelope detector42 is preferably passed through aninput amplifier43 configured to operate in Class C, or saturation. As depicted inFIG. 9B, representing the voltage waveform at the collector of the transistor Q1 forming theinput amplifier43, the output of theinput amplifier43 is a series of generally squared pulses. In any case, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the input signal pattern SHORT-LONG-SHORT-SHORT-SHORT-LONG is at this point still preserved.

As also previously discussed, the next stage of theconditioning circuit40 comprises a pair of monostable multivibrator, or “one-shot,”signal generators45,46. The amplified signal depicted inFIG. 9B is fed directly into thetrigger pin2 of the CMOS timer U1 of thefirst signal generator45. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, each pulse of the input signal crossing the threshold trigger level, shown as TRIG onFIG. 9B, will trigger the first timer U1, causing an approximately 10 millisecond pulse, as depicted inFIG. 11A, to be output frompin3 of the timer U1. It is desired, however, that only the longer pulses trigger the CMOS timer U2 of thesecond signal generator46. To effect this result, then, the amplified signal ofFIG. 9B is first passed through alow pass filter44 prior to application to thetrigger pin2 of the CMOS timer U2 of thesecond signal generator46. As is evident from the depiction ofFIG. 10, representing the filtered signal output from thelow pass filter44, only the longer duration pulses are of low enough frequency to sufficiently pass thefilter44 to cross the threshold level as indicated onFIG. 10 as TRIG. As a result, when this waveform is fed into thetrigger pin2 of the CMOS timer U2 of thesecond signal generator46, only the longer pulses cause the generation of the approximately 40 millisecond pulse, as depicted inFIG. 11B, at theoutput pin3 of the CMOS timer U2 of thesecond signal generator46.

The pulse trains thus generated by the pair of monostable multivibrator, or “one-shot,”signal generators45,46 is are then combined by the solid state ORcircuit47 depicted inFIG. 7A. Upon combination, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the following voltage pattern will be present at the input to the output amplifier48: V_10ms-Pause-V_40ms-Pause-V_10ms-Pause-V_10ms-Pause-V_10ms-Pause-V_40ms, representing a series of 40 millisecond duration and 10 millisecond duration pulses of voltage in the SHORT-LONG-SHORT-SHORT-SHORT-LONG pattern of the input signal. These voltages are then passed through theoutput amplifier48, which provides sufficient current for operation of themotor24 of the vibratingtransducer20, and then passed tomotor24 of the vibratingtransducer20, which is turned on for 10 milliseconds, turned off, turned on for 40 milliseconds, turned off, turned on for 10 milliseconds, turned off, turned on for 10 milliseconds, turned off, turned on for 10 milliseconds, turned off, and then turned on for 40 milliseconds. As has been found by Applicant, the input signal pattern is readily perceived through the vibratingtransducer20.

While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (16)

1. A vibrating transducer apparatus for producing multiple discrete, differentiable tactile stimulations to provide rhythmic guidance to a person in contact with the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

an electric motor having a shaft;

a rigid housing enclosing the electric motor;

an eccentric weight attached to the electric motor shaft;

a flexible motor mount supporting the electric motor within the rigid housing, the motor mount being adapted to enable the motor, when energized, to wobble within the rigid housing, thereby enhancing the intensity of the vibratory tactile stimulations produced; and

a driver circuit for facilitating operation of the electric motor, the driver circuit adapted to energize the motor to produce a rhythmic pattern of discrete tactile stimulations, the pattern including at least two tactile stimulations that differ from each other in duration or intensity.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rigid housing comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a power supply for supplying power to the electric motor;

a second housing enclosing the power supply, wherein the second housing is structurally isolated from the rigid housing enclosing the electric motor, whereby vibrations from the rigid housing are not transmitted to, nor diminished by the second housing; and

an electrical cable connecting the power supply to the electric motor.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a digital input device to energize the motor according to a programmed rhythm.

5. A vibrating transducer apparatus for producing multiple discrete, readily differentiable tactile stimulations to provide rhythmic guidance to a person in contact with the apparatus, the vibrating transducer apparatus comprising:

an electric motor having a shaft;

a rigid housing enclosing the electric motor;

an eccentric weight attached to the electric motor shaft;

a compressible foam cushion encircling the electric motor within the rigid housing, so that the motor, when energized, is adapted to wobble within the rigid housing by compressing the foam at different points about the circumference of the motor as the eccentric weight turns; and

a driver circuit for energizing the electric motor with a rhythmic pattern of discrete tactile stimulations, the pattern including at least two tactile stimulations that differ from each other in duration or intensity.

6. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the rigid housing composes a generally cylindrically shaped tube.

7. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the foam cushion is wrapped by a securing sheet.

8. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the driver circuit comprises a plurality of timing sub-circuits.

9. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein each said timing sub-circuit is adapted to operate said electric motor for a distinct period of time.

10. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein:

each timing sub-circuit is activated by a trigger signal;

each trigger signal is derived from a single input signal; and

wherein the trigger signals are differentiated by filtering of the input signal.

11. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 10, further comprising a digital signal generator for producing the input signal.

12. The vibrating transducer apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the signal generator is adapted to produce pulse trains of differing time durations.

13. A vibrating transducer for producing multiple, readily differentiable tactile stimulations, said vibrating transducer comprising:

a rigid housing;

an electric motor enclosed within said rigid housing, said electric motor having attached thereto an eccentric weight; and

a flexible motor mount comprising a cushion wrapped substantially about said electric motor, the flexible motor mount supporting the electric motor within said rigid housing;

wherein said cushion is wrapped by a securing sheet.

14. The vibrating transducer as recited inclaim 13, wherein said securing sheet comprises a thin paper wrapping.

15. The vibrating transducer as recited inclaim 13, wherein said securing sheet comprises adhesive tape.

16. A vibrating transducer for producing multiple, readily differentiable tactile stimulations, said vibrating transducer comprising:

a rigid housing;

an electric motor enclosed within said rigid housing, said electric motor having attached thereto an eccentric weight and being supported within said rigid housing by a flexible motor mount; and

a driver circuit for facilitating operation of said electric motor;

wherein said driver circuit comprises a plurality of timing sub-circuits, and wherein each said timing sub-circuit comprises a monostable multivibrator.

Images